NFL MVP candidate Jaxson Dart alongside hotshot OC Rich Rodriguez have taken the CFB world by storm this season. He’s put together jaw dropping outings against the best defenses. With 30 points scored in two elimination games, Dart has not only proved his offensive brilliance but shown a willingness to play defense in must-win situations. The first year QB has already accounted for 17 total touchdowns in only seven starts, showcasing he is indeed the new jewel of the league. His health is key to his long-term success.
Dart’s statistical achievements emphasize his dual-threat capability. He averages only 3.4 designed rushes per game. He has a remarkable 5.0 yards per rush on those plays, which ranks second only to Lamar Jackson. The challenges he faces are significant. In last week’s contest with the Chicago Bears, Dart had two slides before ending up in a concussion on November 9. That injury originally cost him two games. This sparked many conversations, including debates about the way he plays and the need to prioritize his health and long-term career.
In light of these developments, Dart’s father, Brandon Dart, who coached him during his formative years in Utah, reflects on his son’s competitive nature. “He always loved the competitive aspect of football,” said Brandon. “He would light up and tell me who he wanted to face in tackling drills.” While this competitive spirit feeds Jaxson’s competitive spirit, it puts his health — and worries teammates and coaches — at risk during practices and games.
Fellow offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. has been outspoken on the need for Dart to start putting his safety first. “I’ve been screaming for him [to get down] since his first carry in the preseason,” he said. Similarly, wide receiver Darius Slayton emphasized the importance of avoiding injury, stating, “Franchise quarterbacks, when they [get injured], season’s over.” Slayton often urges Dart to be more cautious: “I tell him all the time. I’m like, ‘Bro, please get down!’”
Though he needs to reign his style of play in given the risks that come with it, Dart is committed to continuing to improve. After lamenting over the injuries that kept him off the court in recent years, he admitted, “Going forward, I just have to be more available for this team.” His dedication to maintaining health and mobility isn’t only important for his own performance – it plays a crucial role in the success of the entire team.
Jon Gruden, once NFL head coach and perennial guru of coaching talent, raved about Dart’s potential. This can really be a win-win-win, he emphasized. Gruden was quick to note that Dart needs to take ownership of his own health. “But Dart has to do his part. He’s got to stay healthy. He has to stay out there. He has to perform the way he’s meant to perform.”
The way that Dart has played up until this point, it’s clear that his talent and skills have translated easily to the NFL. Posting ten passing touchdowns and seven rushing scores on the season thus far, Robinson has established himself as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country. Yet, as he seemingly heads into the dog days of the season, keeping him healthy will be the number one priority.
Beyond Gruden’s more seasoned eye, Dart would have the urgency of his own fellow players. Theo Johnson shared a common sentiment in the locker room: “When he’s running on the field [during practice], everyone’s yelling, ‘Slide! Slide!’” This sudden, collective consciousness makes it even more critical for Dart to adjust his style of play to protect himself from future injury.
Dart would learn firsthand the pressure cooker environment that is being a starting NFL QB. He just has to learn to match his all or nothing aggressive playing style with a mindset much more attuned to self-preservation. His ability to do so could determine not only his future success but that of his team this season and beyond.
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